Farmer Training And Support Officer

Job Description

Birrama Digital Commerce PLC is seeking a motivated and community-oriented Farmer Training and Support Officer for the Intelligence, Resilience, Innovative Farming (IRIF) Project — an 18-month technology-driven initiative led by Farm Africa and implemented by Birrama. The project aims to improve the climate resilience, productivity, and incomes of 1,500 smallholder farmers in Oromia through an AI-powered advisory platform linked to financial inclusion and digital market services.

The Farmer Training and Support Officer is the primary field representative responsible for direct, day-to-day engagement with the 1,500 target farmers. The core duty of this role is to ensure high adoption and effective use of the IRIF technology and digital services through practical training, coordination of IoT sensor installation, and continuous on-site support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Farmer Training and Capacity Building

• Develop and deliver practical, hands-on training sessions on the IRIF platform, including how to understand and act on AI-generated climate-smart advice delivered via SMS/USSD.
• Conduct individual follow-up sessions to support the adoption of digital services (financial products and digital marketplace).
• Act as the field link between the project's technical agronomist and farmers, translating technical recommendations into simple, actionable farming practices.

Field Operations and Data Collection

• Coordinate with the ICT Support Officer and community leaders for the site selection and installation of IRIF Capsules (IoT sensors).
• Facilitate the accurate collection of baseline data, monitoring data (yield, water usage), and farmer feedback.
• Actively ensure inclusive participation, targeting at least 50% women and youth in all activities.

Reporting and Feedback

• Document training sessions, attendance records, field activities, and support interventions and submit timely reports to the Project Manager.
• Collect and relay farmer feedback on the platform's content and delivery channels to the technical team.
• Assist in organizing farmer focus groups and community meetings.

Education and Technical Skills

• Minimum Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in General Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Rural Development, or a related field.
• Practical knowledge of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and local farming systems in Oromia.
• Basic familiarity with mobile technology and simple data collection tools (e.g., mobile forms).

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 2–3 years of practical experience in agricultural extension, farmer training, or community mobilization, preferably with an NGO or technology-focused agricultural project.
• Demonstrated experience in adult learning and participatory training methodologies.
• Proven ability to work effectively and independently in remote, field-based settings.

Language and Competencies

• Fluent professional proficiency in Afaan Oromo (written and spoken) is mandatory.
• Good working knowledge of Amharic and English is strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with a patient, motivating approach.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage relationships with a large number of beneficiaries and community leaders.

Skills Required:

• Agricultural / Studies